A Trial of Custom Foot Orthoses for the Treatment of Plantar Heel Pain

The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government.
Read our disclaimer for details.

This is a study investigating treatment of plantar fasciitis (heel pain). Physicians commonly prescribe specialized orthoses (shoe inserts) to treat heel pain. This study will evaluate the reduction in heel pain associated with three types of orthoses. It is hypothesized that custom made orthoses will significantly decrease pain and improve foot function in comparison to prefabricated insoles and sham insoles.

Subjects will receive custom fabricated orthoses created from casts of the feet and according to individualized prescriptions. These orthoses are to be used in the standardized shoes provided to all subjects in the study.

Device: orthoses

orthoses are provided for use in standardized shoes that all subjects receive

Other Name: shoe insert

Active Comparator: pre-fabricated orthoses

Subjects will be provided pre-fabricated (non-customized) orthoses. These orthoses are to be used in the standardized shoes provided to all subjects in the study. for use in their shoes.

Device: orthoses

orthoses are provided for use in standardized shoes that all subjects receive

Other Name: shoe insert

Sham Comparator: sham insoles

Subjects will receive sham orthoses that are soft and pliable, but not designed to relieve pain. These orthoses are to be used in the standardized shoes provided to all subjects in the study.

Device: orthoses

orthoses are provided for use in standardized shoes that all subjects receive

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.

Typical post-static dyskinesia. Pain first steps in morning or when getting up after being seated for a period of time

Patients will be ambulatory with an age range of 18-75 with plantar heel pain present for no more than one year.

They will not have previous injection within 6 months or currently use prescription custom foot orthoses.

Patient history, exam, x-rays, and ultrasound will rule out other etiologies of heel pain including proximal or local nerve entrapment, arthritis, bone cyst or tumor, or stress fracture. Since most patients will likely self-treat this condition prior to seeking care, the investigators will allow a washout period (appendix) and acetaminophen rescue analgesia provision.